Consistency… that word summarizes the journey both Ray Flacko and Mario Young have experienced. A perfect story of Ying and Yang. Through it all, through every trial they experienced, they still have a big heart and passion for Peoria! Mario and Ray have lived through variations of lost. Mario has experienced the cruelty of his father being killed and the devastation of cancer. Ray was imprisoned for 1000 plus days. Through it all, they both were able to become the best versions of themselves!

Consistency… that word summarizes the journey both <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008611175830&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXiN4iAcLzX3cnPQNcJeLKzucpcwqsDsHpOlAxzy9T2YvhKSD8wlE6gDOI-gC8uMLlLmPZJbwKNUI2VpZ0pBYiitMvWLppCPlW5R7T05Oo_zdUjPbRMvVvpGa7sUmbMf3uugR6LsE5NS8mh7DGVsqf1FD2kcSBAXWku1zzsFiPR5n3dD-eoqbT8d-3OwQCI_pM&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Ray Flacko</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mario.young.56?__cft__[0]=AZXiN4iAcLzX3cnPQNcJeLKzucpcwqsDsHpOlAxzy9T2YvhKSD8wlE6gDOI-gC8uMLlLmPZJbwKNUI2VpZ0pBYiitMvWLppCPlW5R7T05Oo_zdUjPbRMvVvpGa7sUmbMf3uugR6LsE5NS8mh7DGVsqf1FD2kcSBAXWku1zzsFiPR5n3dD-eoqbT8d-3OwQCI_pM&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Mario Young</a> have experienced. A perfect story of Ying and Yang. Through it all, through every <a></a>trial they experienced, they still have a big heart and passion for Peoria! Mario and Ray have lived through variations of lost. Mario has experienced the cruelty of his father being killed and the devastation of cancer. Ray was imprisoned for 1000 plus days. Through it all, they both were able to become the best versions of themselves!

A Conversation with Peoria's Community Leaders, Activists, Artists and Storytellers

A Conversation with Peoria's Community Leaders, Activists, Artists and Storytellers

KZ Community Beat

EP 15 Ray Flacko  and Mario Young

This week on Community Beat, Ross sits down with Gregory Wilson, the President of the Peoria Public Schools Board of Education, for a conversation rooted in leadership, transparency, and unity.

From his beginnings as the youngest African American elected to the board to now leading it, Gregory opens up about what drives him, his passion for equity, his commitment to students, and his vision for a stronger, more connected Peoria.

Together, they talk about the real challenges shaping local education, from academic performance and absenteeism to trust, safety, and community involvement,  and how change starts with communication, not confrontation.

The conversation also takes a powerful turn toward hip-hop’s influence on youth development, reflecting on how artists like KRS-One, De La Soul, and Chance the Rapper uplift and inspire, while exploring the flip side, how drill rap’s pain and realism mirror what young people are living through today.

This isn’t a debate. It’s a dialogue,  a reminder that when schools, parents, and culture work together, the future starts to sound a whole lot better.

This week on Community Beat, Ross sits down with Gregory Wilson, the President of the Peoria Public Schools Board of Education, for a conversation rooted in leadership, transparency, and unity.
From his beginnings as the youngest African American elected to the board to now leading it, Gregory opens up about what drives him, his passion for equity, his commitment to students, and his vision for a stronger, more connected Peoria.
Together, they talk about the real challenges shaping local education, from academic performance and absenteeism to trust, safety, and community involvement,&nbsp; and how change starts with communication, not confrontation.
The conversation also takes a powerful turn toward hip-hop&rsquo;s influence on youth development, reflecting on how artists like KRS-One, De La Soul, and Chance the Rapper uplift and inspire, while exploring the flip side, how drill rap&rsquo;s pain and realism mirror what young people are living through today.
This isn&rsquo;t a debate. It&rsquo;s a dialogue,&nbsp; a reminder that when schools, parents, and culture work together, the future starts to sound a whole lot better.

KZ Community Beat - President of The Peoria Public School Board - Dr Gregory Wilson

This episode, Jinette and Emily stop by to talk about their organization GBC Autism Services. This conversation centers around what ABA therapy is, some common misconceptions regarding Autism and why community is important and they can help you and your loved ones!

This episode, Jinette and Emily stop by to talk about their organization GBC Autism Services. This conversation centers around what ABA therapy is, some common misconceptions regarding Autism and why community is important and they can help you and your loved ones!

KZ Community Beat - GBC Autism Services

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa and Jim, co leader's of Peoria's 50501, and organizers of The No King's Protest happening here in Peoria on October 18th! We touch topics regarding the current climate politically, immigration and the fear community members are experiences and what the price of remaining silent will cost you...

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa and Jim, co leader's of Peoria's 50501, and organizers of The No King's Protest happening here in Peoria on October 18th! We touch topics regarding the current climate politically, immigration and the fear community members are experiences and what the price of remaining silent will cost you...

EP 15 Ray Flacko and Mario Young

In 1 playlist(s)

KZ Community Beat

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips